playing card

noun

play·​ing card ˈplā-iŋ- 

: one of a set of 24 to 78 thin rectangular pieces of cardboard or plastic marked on one side to show its rank and suit and used in playing any of numerous games

Examples of playing card in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The defensive backs bonded on the field before and during practices and while playing card games in their dorm rooms during camp. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

On the flight to Houston when Kevin Gausman learned of his trade to his Chicago Cubs, the veteran right-hander was playing cards with fellow Toronto Blue Jays pitchers Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber and Jeff Hoffman. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Before the shooting broke out, the victim and other occupants of the residence were playing cards, according to the Winter Garden Police Department. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Photograph by Tajette O’Halloran for The New Yorker Two months later, Luwi was playing cards with friends under a tree when a man came from behind and struck him in the head with a machete. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for playing card

• bodyguard
• boulevard
• disregard
• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard

Kids Definition

playing card

noun

: any of a set of cards marked to show rank and suit (as spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs) and used in playing games